Apple Watch Patent Infringement Leads to $634 Million Masimo Verdict

A federal jury has ordered Apple to pay $634 million. The verdict is for patent infringement related to blood oxygen monitoring. The ruling impacts technology used in the Apple Watch.

Medical technology firm Masimo brought the lawsuit. According to Reuters, the jury found Apple liable. Apple has stated it will appeal the decision immediately.

Legal Battle and Sales Ban Consequences

The dispute centers on patents for light-based blood monitoring. Masimo argued Apple incorporated its patented technology without permission. This legal fight has been ongoing for years.

It led to a significant sales ban in the U.S. Apple Watch models with the feature were prohibited from sale starting in December 2023. Apple later resumed sales by disabling the feature through a software update.

Broader Impact on the Tech and Medical Industries

This case highlights growing tensions between tech and medical device companies. It underscores the fierce competition for health monitoring innovations. The verdict could influence future technology development.

For consumers, the outcome reaffirms the value of intellectual property. It may lead to more cautious partnerships between different industries. The final resolution is still potentially years away.

The $634 million verdict represents a major legal setback for Apple. This patent infringement case underscores the high stakes of health tech innovation. The final outcome will be decided by a higher court.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: What was Apple found guilty of?

A U.S. jury found Apple guilty of patent infringement. The ruling involves technology for measuring blood oxygen. The specific patents belonged to Masimo.

Q2: How did this affect Apple Watch sales?

It resulted in a U.S. sales ban on certain models. Apple had to sell versions with the blood oxygen feature disabled. This sales restriction lasted for over a year.

Q3: What was Apple’s response to the verdict?

Apple disagrees with the jury’s decision. The company plans to appeal the ruling. An Apple spokesperson stated many of Masimo’s claims were invalid.

Q4: Has Apple found a workaround for the feature?

Yes, Apple introduced a software-based solution in 2025. The workaround processes data on a paired iPhone instead of the watch. This change satisfied customs regulators.

Q5: What does Masimo say about the ruling?

Masimo called the verdict a significant win. The company said it is committed to protecting its intellectual property. It views the decision as a validation of its innovations.